Excess Play

[Graeme]

After fitting my new tyres, my mate drove my car and said the steering felt anything but positive. I thought there seemed to be a bit of play in the steering but it passed a mot about six months ago and tbh i couldn't remember how much play my previous Nova had. I'm going to be removing most of the steering components when I start my engine conversion and just wondered what should I be looking to replace. I've got a polly bush set for it, but I'm presuming that isn't going to solve it. As normal any help will be much appreciated, cheers Graeme

[let_nova]

you would be surprised what a good set of bushes sort! apart from that bottom ball joints track rod ends ets.

[Lee]

Worn tie bar bushes can make the steering feel uber wooly, id guess pollying them up should sort it :)

[Graeme]

Lets hope so, I've checked the bottom ball joints and track rod ends but can't feel any wobbles but tbh I don't know what it should/shouldn't feel like. I was worried I'd need to change the rack or column. is there anyway I can check these?

[Lee]

Honestly i wouldnt worry till youve done the tie bar bushes. You wont be able to feel that theyre gone by hand. My 1.2 was exactly the same.

[Graeme]

Cheers Lee

[mikey14sr]

Check the UJ at the bottom of the column, I didn't notice mine had come loose untill I went to change the rack whilst chasing a steering knock.

[Pistol Pete]

Not wanting to teach your granny to suck eggs, have you checked your tyre pressures since having new tyres fitted? Tyre fitters are known for over inflating new tyres which can make the steering feel odd. Just a suggestion. :)

[Graeme]

Yeah Pete checked them all myself and its just a bit like a film car with the wheel turning alot and no change of direction

[Pistol Pete]

Ah, ok. Sounds like something abit more major then. As said above check ball joints, track rod ends, etc.

[Graeme]

Cheers Pete, once the engines out I'll check all the relevant components